New faces are in charge of ECHS Football for the upcoming 2016 season but the phrase "EC Pride" that was shouted from the Wildcats huddle in yesterday's practice is still ringing loud and clear. 

First year head coach Nathan Smith and his coaching staff have been hard at work with this team ever since he was named head coach in January of this year. A young coaching staff will lead young Wildcats as underclassmen make up the bulk of this year's team with only seven seniors. Smith, who is 27 years old, leads a staff made up of Josh Childs, Kyle Culbreth, Austin Meredith, Richard Burton, and Ethan Stice, all ranging from ages 22 to 31. Long time coach Wyn Caudill and other volunteer coaches will be helping as well.
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This year's team will be without seven seniors from last year and coach Smith said that will mostly affect the linemen situation.

"We definitely lost some of our offensive and defensive line from last year and they'll be sorely missed until some of the younger guys step up and figure out their roles," Smith said.

Smith said the team will be relying on senior Daniel Caudill for leadership as well as taking large roles in both offensive and defensive production.

"He's going to have to be a workhorse for us. We really need him to do quite a bit, honestly." 

The coach also mentioned younger players that will be faced with plenty of responsibility, like the returning quarterback from last season, junior Tucker Cole. "Tucker has bulked up 30 pounds or so from last year, so that's going to help," he said. "We need him to really throw the ball this year, so we hope he's ready."

The team will also look for Logan Hagan, a 6'5", 370 pound sophomore lineman to lead things on the line. "The kid is huge. We honestly need him to do all he can take."

When Coach Smith was asked what would he say if the team's first game was tonight, he and the other coaches chuckled and said "Wow..." Smith leaned back in his chair with a grin.

"Well, I'm glad it's not," he said. "We still have lots of things to work on, especially with only 11 more practices till our first scrimmage with Allen County (Aug 11 at home). But we're working hard."

He said the heat and humidity have not affected team workouts too awfully bad, as practices have been scheduled in the evenings at sundown. He said they've kept the team hydrated while allowing plenty of breaks. 

The season will kickoff on the road at Caverna on Friday, August 19, 2016. "We're working hard," Smith said again. "We're doing our best. Everybody's committed and these guys have been here everyday. That's all you can ask out of them."

You can listen to all football games live this season on your home for Wildcat Sports, "WildcatsLive" with Scott Lindsey and Bryan Thompson.

Edmonson Voice Sports
Local residents Wes Cottingim, Jonathan Decker, Granville Meredith, and Barry Wood were coached by Kayla Meredith, from Midway University Lady Eagles golf team, in the Midway University Golf Scramble on Saturday.  This is an annual tournament to raise money for the Midway golf program, and was held at the University of Kentucky Big Blue Course.  Team Kayla, also known as the “Steep Hollar Hackers”, went into the tournament striving to finish in the top 10. 

The team was extremely proud of two holes, the first of which were Jonathan Decker hit a massive drive on a par 5, leaving it to Wes Cottingim to hit a hybrid shot within approximately 8 feet of the cup, where Barry Wood then drained it for an Eagle.  The other hole was a par 4 that again Jonathan drove the green again and Granville drained the Eagle putt. 

The hole of the day went to Wes Cottingim where he birdied a par 3 by himself.  After that round, Granville and Barry named Wes the player of the tournament, but this did not sit well with Jonathan. He voted himself player of the tournament because according to him, he “packed the team.”  Wes didn’t complain, so they were crowned Co-Players of the tournament. 

The Steep Hollar Hackers finished their round 21 under par, finishing in 6th place.
 Kayla Meredith and The Steep Hollar Hackers would like to thank the following  hole sponsors:  Greg Meredith of Meredith Mowing Service,  Greg Nugent for his continuous support to Kayla, and JC Ramsey of Shady Hollow Golf Course. 
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“These three sponsors have been beside Kayla since she first started golf and they  continue to support her,” said Granville Meredith. “She is honored to have such great support team. “

​ECHS boys and girls golf practice will begin  July 13,  at 9 a.m. at Cave Valley Golf Course. Players must have a completed KHSAA physical form to participate. There will also be a parent meeting at 6 p.m. on July 12 in the high school library. If you have any questions, call 270-799-5103.